Laurie Eckert

Affiliations

Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry

Research Description

The precise role of glia (e.g. microglia) in Parkinson’s disease-related neuronal death is currently unknown but is hypothesized to be significant based on previous studies. The Doorn lab is interested in determining the role of the endogenous neurotoxin, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), in Parkinson’s disease. Glial cells have been shown to metabolize dopamine, but the amount of DOPAL they produce via MAO oxidative deamination of dopamine is unknown, along with further metabolism of DOPAL via ALDH. My research involves investigation into the toxicity and metabolism of these dopamine metabolites via glia and activation of these cells (i.e. microglia) by such toxic intermediates.